Kevin's Corner

Missy The Dog, Left On Colorado Mountain By Owner Will Get New Home With Rescuer

by Kevin Mussman,posted Sep 17 2012 11:45AM

Missy, the dog who became a very talked about story in Colorado and on Social Media around the country. Anthony Ortolani, Missy’s owner, went hiking with Missy on Mt. Bierstadt in August and when the weather turned bad, Missy became tired, so Ortolani left Missy behind on the mountain.

Ortolani called Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office, but they would not send rescuers to get the dog due to bad weather conditions on the mountain. When people heard this, many were outraged and within a week a group of Coloradoan’s decided to go up the mountain themselves and rescue Missy, a 112-pound German Shepard.

The group of volunteers that rescued Missy are scheduled to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres Show Monday afternoon to discuss Missy and the rescue.

Missy was stranded for eight days before rescuers found her bloodied and close to death on the ridge. Ortolani received death threats after the story broke, he said Sunday. The threats have made him concerned for his family and for Missy as well, he said.

"I don't want to give her up — I love her — but those people risked life and limb to get her out of there, and that has got to be worth something," he said.